5 Colognes That Smell Like a Stiff Drink

Esquire’s Fall/Winter Big Black Book is here.

View in Browser  Thursday, October 15, 2026 Esquire’s Big Black Book—the essential guide to style and luxury—turns 20 this fall. We’ve marked the occasion with a brand new issue. For vital deep dives into what makes a great dress shirt, or a sexy new cologne worth trying, and how to wear the season’s best tailoring, as shown by comedian Matt Friend, click below. —Madison Vain, executive editor  Plus: The anatomy of a great dress shirt The loafer’s big generational shift The 15 items every guy should have in his wardrobe Cologne That Smells Like a Stiff Drink (in a Good Way) With notes of cognac, amaretto, and even cachaça, these fragrances are sophisticated—not sloppy. No one wants to smell like they just stumbled out of a bar. But done the right way, fragrances with a whiff of liquor (or liqueur) can be the perfect antidote to the brisk, blustery days ahead. We’ve pulled together five of our favorites here. Give ’em a spritz for an extra dose of seasonal sophistication. READ THE STORY Transform your fall wardrobe with these 5 essentials. From a pair of bold loafers to an overnight bag that’ll fit right in at the office, Jonathan Evans recommends what you'll need. >> At Louis Vuitton, a century-old art form is the height of modernity. Nick Sullivan dives into the brand's art deco Objets Nomads collection. >> How to Look Like a Rising Star This Season You’ve probably seen Matt Friend on your Instagram feed impersonating a famous person: Donald Trump, Jennifer Coolidge, Rami Malek, King Charles, Andy Cohen, Howard Stern, Stanley Tucci, Jeff Goldblum, Joe Biden, you name it. Really, they’re uncanny. Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re hearing the real Bill Gates talk about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Unlike most of his fellow comedians, Friend dresses up onstage, opting for sharply tailored suits from brands like Brioni and Zegna instead of tees and hoodies.  By Eric Francisco READ THE STORY This Year's Best Classic Watch Remixes While innovation drives things forward, there’s nothing quite so appealing as an iconic watch design given a new spin. Check out the latest riffs on time-tested designs like the Reverso and the Oyster Perpetual. These six updates are our favorites of 2026. By Nick Sullivan READ THE STORY Follow Us Unsubscribe | Manage Preferences | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection Esquire is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2026 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779